Transition programs for newly graduated nurses – A resource during the first months of the profession? An exploratory cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND: Limited knowledge exists about the impact and value of transition programs for newly graduated nurses (NGNs) during participation. Gaining insight into this phase can help improve strategies that support NGNs' learning, retention, and work satisfaction during the transition to professional practice. AIM: The overall aim was to investigate the experienced value of a hospital-based one-year transition program for NGNs after four months of participation. Specific aims were (1) to create and evaluate a tool to capture NGNs perceived value of the transition program and (2) to apply the tool to explore associations between NGNs experienced value of the transition program and factors related to work preparedness, future career as a nurse, work environment, and work satisfaction. DESIGN: Exploratory cross-sectional survey study. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: The study included 216 NGNs enrolled in a regional transition program across six hospitals in Sweden. METHODS: Data were collected using an online questionnaire with Likert-scale questions and analyzed by using the Kruskal-Wallis test. Prior to analysis, an exploratory factor analysis (EFA) of the nine Transition Program Variable (TPV) items was performed. RESULTS: The TPV scale demonstrated satisfactory psychometric properties, including high internal consistency and a one-factor structure. Higher perceived value of the transition program was associated with higher perceived practical and theoretical preparedness, higher reported clarity regarding work expectations, stronger reported employer support for professional development, and a higher intention to remain at the current hospital. CONCLUSION: Higher perceived value of the transition program was associated with higher reportedpreparedness and retention intentions for newly graduated nurses. Further qualitative exploration is recommended to inform future program development.